You never return from Shanghai without doing two major things: Walking the Great wall of China and visiting the numerous flea markets. Shopping in Shanghai is like being in Paris of the East, where anything you imagine is available here. And to top it you can take the liberty of bargaining in small markets.
The Bund
Lets begin with top posh market, The Bund. Symbol of Shanghai famous for European style buildings, overlooking the Huangpu river is the most touristy place. You can come here for fancy dinning experience with some very good bars. A great number of designer brands are dotted along the Bund including, Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Cartier, Patek Philippe, Ermenegildo Zegna, Prada with a number of domestic brand shops offering anything from handcrafted silk slippers to porcelain tableware and antique woods. Bund18 and Three on the Bund are some examples of developments that offer a classy shopping experience. Subway is also a good choice, fast and convenient. Take Line 2.
Nanjing road and people's square
My fave and it is 5.5 kilometers long from the Bund to the Jing'an Temple.
China's famous shopping street. It is a must see metropolitan destination attracting thousands of fashion seeking shoppers from all over the world. You can take bus number 21, or take subway line 1 and get off at West Nanjing Rd. Station. i cnt tell you how many times i came here in want of more blazers and jewellery because i had the joy of bargaining here.
Xintiandi market
The unique feature of this market is the Shikumen house or stone gate. The architectural focus of these houses is a front door framed in sometimes elaborately carved stone. The houses themselves – interconnected row houses usually three stories high – are made of brick typical to Shanghai in red and gray. A good place to stroll around and discover shops of various brands and eateries
Tianzifang
A walk down the road lets you see local Shanghai life at its best: street vendors selling pancakes and fruit, kids scampering about and women hanging up laundry. Then find alley 210 and wander down the lane. It's full of shops and cafes selling everything from traditional Chinese qi pao dresses to funky silver jewelry. For Indians you can relish your taste buds at the Lotus restaurant.
Yu yuan market
The Yu Garden area is a fun place to explore. The whole area around the gardens has been renovated in traditional style Chinese architecture with curving tile eaves that make you feel like you've finally found "Chinatown". Across the way is the entrance to Yuyuan Garden itself where you can follow crowds through a classical Ming garden. It was so crowded that day that i could only manage to take the picture and opt for exploring the market only. You can reach here by getting down at Yuyuan garden station.
Dongtai Antiques market
This small road, not far from Xin Tian Di, is Shanghai's answer to Beijing's Panjiayuan Market. While tiny in comparison to Panjiayuan, Dong Tai Road is lined with stalls and shops selling all that is junk and treasure in chinoiserie. You can find all kinds of items including Mao memorabilia, porcelain, old wooden rice buckets and brightly painted opera masks. It's worth a wander just to see what's on offer but don't forget your bargaining skills.
Pets market
For pet lovers Shanghai has got the best treat for you. Just opposite the Dongtai Lu antiques market is the famous street lined up many local pet markets. Naming from earth worms to insects, from cats till dogs, from birds till fish i guess it got worldwide option to adopt them or buy them. I suggest you to choose only licensed and vaccinated animals. Otherwise you may see the one you picked up die in a few days, because it has been kept alive by injected drugs. You can get down at Laoximen station and walk up straight to reach the place.
It is restricted not only to pets but also had a whole stock of decorative terrarium, wax agave, dessert rose and many succulent plants to be bought and delight your indoor space.
